Cannes police deploy nitrous oxide detectors for road safety

The municipality of Cannes has deployed three nitrous oxide detectors to its municipal police force to enhance road safety. This initiative aims to anticipate the implementation of the Ripost law by identifying drivers who have consumed the gas, commonly known as “laughing gas,” which is increasingly being used recreationally.

The detection technology works similarly to a standard breathalyzer, identifying the presence of nitrous oxide in exhaled air. This is intended to prevent drivers from operating vehicles after consumption, which can lead to serious neurological issues such as paralysis, asphyxiation, or heart rhythm irregularities.

While the detectors are not yet officially certified, the city is utilizing a 2025 municipal decree that prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide canisters within Cannes to issue citations. Mayor David Lisnard noted that while the current legal framework does not yet provide a precise judicial response, the measure is necessary to prioritize user safety.